February 03, 2012
Barrie Police are alerting the public about a rash of what is being called “distraction thefts.” So far, police are looking into nine separate reports dating back to October 27th of last year. The thefts follow a similar pattern – a group of at least three people enter a large grocery or big box store and seek out senior women who keep their purses in their shopping carts. One person will then distract the victim while one goes through the purse for credit cards while a third keeps watch and even blocks the aisle with a shopping cart to prevent witnesses from getting close. The suspects immediately leave the store and use the stolen credit cards to buy gift cards from other stores. Police are continuing to investigate. In the meantime, shoppers are urged to keep their purses and wallets on them at all times and to never leave either one unattended. Anyone with information is asked to call Barrie Police Detective Constable Grant at 705-725-7025 ext 2171 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
(Constable Toni Dufour)
michaelmcdonald